Challenges

Disclosure

In accordance with FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, A Chick Who Reads would like to let everyone know that books featured on this blog were either provided by the publisher or author or were purchased by A Chick Who Reads. The books received by A Chick Who Reads from publishers and authors were provided for review and no payment was received by me and did not influence my opinion of the material.

A definitive and approachable guide to life during, and after, breast cancer

The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is simply being a woman. Madhulika Sikka's A Breast Cancer Alphabet offers a new way to live with and plan past the hardest diagnosis that most women will ever receive: a personal, practical, and deeply informative look at the road from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

What Madhulika Sikka didn't foresee when initially diagnosed, and what this book brings to life so vividly, are the unexpected and minute challenges that make navigating the world of breast cancer all the trickier. A Breast Cancer Alphabet is an inspired reaction to what started as a personal predicament.

This A-Z guide to living with breast cancer goes where so many fear to tread: sex (S is for Sex - really?), sentimentality (J is for Journey - it's a cliché we need to dispense with), hair (H is for Hair - yes, you can make a federal case of it) and work (Q is for Quitting - there'll be days when you feel like it). She draws an easy-to-follow, and quite memorable, map of her travels from breast cancer neophyte to seasoned veteran.

As a prominent news executive, Madhulika had access to the most cutting edge data on the disease's reach and impact. At the same time, she craved the community of frank talk and personal insight that we rely on in life's toughest moments. This wonderfully inventive book navigates the world of science and story, bringing readers into Madhulika's mind and experience in a way that demystifies breast cancer and offers new hope for those living with it.

Review: This book should be every woman's companion, whether or not you have this disease.

Why?

Because I guarantee that most women know someone who is dealing with a trip to Cancerland, a place no one wants to go. Madhulika, tells it like it is, but in a way that offers a little bit of levity to a not very pleasant situation.

The alphabet is very upbeat and I agree with her take on things. I definitely can't see having this illness as a journey. Just as I'm with her on the whole "women warriors" in their see of pink ribbons. I understand that you "battle" a disease, but its a concept I've struggled with too.

Madhulika shares her experiences as she goes from A to Z and I found her insights really helpful. I wish this book could be given out to every woman diagnosed because anything that can help someone cope with this illness is a good thing indeed!